Overview & Reviews

BMW's highly acclaimed 3 Series receives new engines across the board. The six-cylinder models drop the 325 designation for 328, thanks to a new 2.8-liter inline six. While the new six offers a negligible gain in horsepower (now 190), acceleration is significantly improved by a 14 percent increase in torque (now up to 207). To go along with the heartier engine, 328 models get vented rear disc brakes to minimize brake fade. The 318 models keep the 318 name despite an increase in engine displacement to 1.9 liters, which yields a slight increase in torque. Automatic climate control is standard across the line, except in the 318ti, and upgraded sound systems are optional on all models.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 60.00

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  Maybe Will Keep Another 50,000 - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By PAUL WILSON - July 5 - 12:02 am

  I purchased the car while living in Germany, although it was a U.S. made car. I now have 205,000 miles and I have always had it serviced at authorized BMW dealers. No engine or transmission repairs ever. It is a really fun car to drive, and overall I would say economical. The first five years of my ownership were in Germany, and the car really did well at high speeds. On the Autobahn I usually drove 85-95 MPH, but I have driven it as fast as 140 MPH with no problems. Although the car has 205,000 miles on it I think it will be good for at least another 50,000 or more.

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  Great little coupe - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Hellrot - April 20 - 10:18 am

  Very comfortable highway car. Im 63" 220 lbs. and I have plenty of room. It has plenty of power for the highway and is very agile in city traffic. The central locking system these Germans designed is a tough one to figure out. Thats my only beef. The car is very tight, solid. At high speeds it is quiet and smooth. You definitely have to pay attention to your speed or set the cruise control otherwise youll be traveling 80+ mph and not realize it. It handles like it is on rails but still maintains a smooth ride quality. This is my first BMW. I have owned 30 different cars over the last 30+ years. This car impressed me so much that Ill be adding another BMW to my collection very soon.

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  Genuinely fun but not for everyone - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - January 4 - 10:27 am

  BMWs have the reputation of being a car for those to whom driving is more than just getting from point A to point B and this car shows why. Its sophisticated fun especially with a five speed and good tires. Turns everyday boring drives into something to be enjoyed. However on an older car like this you better know how to work on it yourself or know a good independent mechanic who can. A dealer can be really expensive. Its just the price you pay for owning an out of warranty performance car. If you want basic transportation with minimum $$ for maintenance better find something more reliable.

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  Great Car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - October 8 - 6:49 am

  I have owned this car for 4 months. The only problem being that the power steering fluid has a bad hose. I have taken it to a repair shop that told me the problem while not charging me a dime. You are supposed to fill the power steering fluid with the car running. 10/10 would buy again.

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  Great Value... - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By BigMikeyP - May 8 - 12:01 pm

  This is possibly the most reliable car made in the last 20 years. Mine has 193K miles and has yet to have any major mechanical problems. It has never broken down and I dont detect a drop in performance. Its not a great long distance car as it can ride a little stiff. The other problem is noise at 70+ mph. It can also get lite in the rain, especially at high speeds. Interestingly enough, it seems unstable at 70mph (dry road) but sits down nicely and rides beautifully at 85+mph. Clearly a car built for the autobon. My parting though is that I love this car and intend to drive it for another 60+K miles.

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  My First BMW - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Yves - May 6 - 10:11 pm

  I couldnt pass up the opportunity to buy this car. I have never owned anything close to this car before. I have driven many north american and a few european models and this cars driving experience exceeded all of those and my expectations. The engine is silky smooth right to the redline and puts out plenty of go. Although the auto transmission may not provide as much pure joy as the stick, the manual shift option comes close. The suspension is pure genius. Never too harsh, it provides a stable, confidence inspiring platform at any speed or road condition. Drop the top, and this little white car goes from attractive to gorgeous. Every time I drive it, I cant stop smiling.

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  Bang for the Buck - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By chris - December 2 - 12:08 pm

  Had this car for over 10 years and 180,000 miles and the car is still going strong. Body is sturdy and still no creaks or rattles whatsoever. Maintenance is cheaper than my Honda since parts dont break down or rust as much. Excellent fuel mileage and very practical due to the folding seats. Excellent handling. This car can take curves and corners at high speeds. Ive almost run off roads with rental cars since Im used to how this car handles. It would have been better if this had a 6 cylinder engine, but it holds up more than repectably when pushed at higher rpms. Torque is strong at all rpms. Too bad they stopped making this model. Europe still has it with 6 cylinder models.

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  Amazing Car though not for everyone - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By russ - May 10 - 3:45 am

  Great car, love it but know what you are getting. Reliability: car will require some maintenance. Also reliability will vary with treatment more than some other cars, consider this when buying used. You will get electrical problems like brake light/check engine, do me a favor and dont buy/complain about this as it is not a "real" problem. Performance: depends on what you are comparing it to. Great compared to average cars: civic, grand am, saturn, etc. good driving experience corners well, accelerates, rear wheel drive which is completely under appreciated. Good blend of comfort and sport handling. But it is not a really fast car you will wish you had an M3 at times though you can mod.

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  Boston Green 318I Sedan - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Justin James - March 3 - 5:27 pm

  I recently purchased this car during the summer, and it was the best money I ever spent. The car itself has a sporty and sleek design. Although it is a 96 it still gives other cars of that year a run for their money. Over all the 1.9L doch engine gives it a fairy quick acceleration which can be put to the test with the 4 speed tiptronic. This car will respond with elequence and grace toward any turn you put in fornt of it. Due to the German sport tuned suspention. The boston green with a metalic flake compliments the light tan interior very well. Instumentation and acessories inside the car are of excellent quality and are easily viewed. Overall it is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  328i=Permasmile - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt Van Dyke - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Parts can be expensive, but most problems very easy to fix. This car is still tight and rattle free after 120k miles. I love it and will buy another BMW. Actually, I dont think Ill buy anything else again.